i just bought a jl 10w7 and am now working on a box for it. my question is what size box would be optimal for the 10w7? i remember reading 1.5cubic ft is the optimal size, can anyone confirm this?

go to the JL website, or get a custom box for the W7, my friend has 2 10W7s in his trunk with a box he made, and it sounded like shit. He had to go out and get one custom made to exact specs supplied by JL. so take the easy route and follow exact specs, or get a custom box built by a qualified installer.



http://www.jlaudio.com/subwoofers/10w7.html

thanks that website helps
one more noob question, what is sealed and ported?

Sealed

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2002/044/h044qLhcL10-f.jpeg


Ported

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2003/044/h044h1010se-f.jpeg


The ported one has a port in it.



Now when you go into making the box, the port dimensions will offset the interior box size, the size of the port also effects how it sounds. box building isnt as simple as it sounds.

do some research from google, on box building, you should be able to come up with some good results.


helpful tips:


http://www.carstereo.com/help/Articles.cfm



JL audio website with tutorials and types of boxes.

http://jlaudio.com/tutorials/index.html

would i notice much of a quality decrease if i cut the depth of JL's recommended box size by 3 inches? i am looking for a clean install and getting as close to JL's enclosure recommendation as i can.

I too just purchased a 10W7 and am building a custom box to fit in the trunk. i did what abbid suggested and viewed the website for specs. I did a lot of math and finally came to the right dimension to make it exactly 1.25 cuft. But mine is a sealed enclosure. When i get it built this weekend, i will try and post some pics.

well i got a jl10w0 in a wedge box its really small but sounds good to me, i dont know if its the same thing for a w7

it's not...the difference in those 2 subs is drastically different...power requirements as well as enclosure...

10W0 = 125W RMS
10W7 = 550W RMS

plus the technology and craftsmanship of the subs are way different as well...10W7's are in a lot of competition cars...

would i notice much of a quality decrease if i cut the depth of JL's recommended box size by 3 inches? i am looking for a clean install and getting as close to JL's enclosure recommendation as i can.

You probily(sp) would see a decrease in sound quality if you messed with the measurments, you are only cutting 3 inches but thats taking at least 100 cubic inches.

that is true. Just take some measurements and do some math. It may take a little bit of work but it will be worth it. just whatever you do, don't get lazy and settle for less. Good luck and let me know how it turns out.

i re-thought about it, and i have another question, are the recommended dimensions important? or is it the cubic ft. that's important? my question is basically how much of a difference would it make if i change the dimensions but still had 1.25 cu ft.

I have a JL Audio 10w7 on a 500/1 in my trunk but the enclosure is ported. 1 cu. foot should be enough for sealed. My ported is 1.5 and it was done by the senior installer at Tweeters in addition to the False walls and bass knob. BTW This sub sounds superb in this vehicle and is very loud when you crank it.

I would definately go with what JL specifies for how much cubic feet. The dimensions themselves aren't as important, as long as you have about 1.25cu ft. Just make sure you have at least .75 inches behind the magnet and back wall. other than that, you should be set to go.